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CHP eNews 6 February 2014: What do we mean by “streamlined access”?

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CHP eNews 2014

6 February

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“Streamined access” means more staff at Access Points and better promotion of homelessness services In CHP’s Framework for ending homelessness paperwhich was submitted to Government in December, we call for more streamlined access to the homelessness system. So what do we actually mean by ‘streamlining access’? To start with it means increased staff, but it also means better promotion to the public, better connections with mainstream services for referrals and the ability to outreach to allied services . Investment in ‘streamlined access’ would also allow for better promotion of homelessness services through via the web, phone and face-to-face. A full list of recommendations for ‘streamlining access’ can be found on page 33 of CHP’s position paper, and the breakdown of the costings can be found on in CHP’s pre-budget submission.

Inquiry into the social inclusion of Victorians with a disability – call for submissions. People with a disability are over-represented as consumers of homelessness services, and part of the reason for this is the difficulty accessing appropriate and affordable housing. With the recent announcement by the Victorian Parliament of an inquiry into Social Inclusion for Victorians with a disability. the homelessness sector has the opportunity to help shine a light on the issues affecting people with a disability in relation to housing and homelessness by submitting a paper to the Inquiry by 28 February 2014. A home provides the very basis for social inclusion, so it’s important that these issues are raised at this Inquiry. There are a range of resources which might be useful in informing submissions including VicServ’s Pathways to Social Inclusion Proposition paper and Hanover’s Homelessness and Disability Report. AHURI also published a comprehensive Evidence Review on the issues impacting people with a disability.

We know the cost of providing homelessness support, but what is the value? We know that people who are helped out of homelessness will be less likely to need ongoing health services, are less likely to go to prison, and are better equipped to pursue employment and education. In short,there is a financial value that can be identified to offset the cost of providing homelessness services. Last year AHURI published an Evidence Reviewwhich followed 84 clients in supported housing over a 12 months period and found that on average those clients reduced their useage of health, justice and welfare services by $3500 over the year. A more detailed breakdown of the cohort revealed that single men actually increased their useage of health services in the period directly after becoming housed, whilst decreasing their justice costs. Single women, on the other hand, have a huge decrease in health costs directly following becoming housed,and in total reduced their service useage by about $9000 over the year. The AHURI video gives a very thorough explanation of the research.

Report on Government Services released The annual Report on Government Services (RoGS) compiles a variety of measures of the performance of government programs across Australia. The Homelessness and Housing reports can be downloaded here.

TUV calls for urgent boost to rental assistance needed The Tenants Union of Victoria (‘TUV’) says the latest Report on Government Services1 demonstrates the ongoing affordability crisis facing low income tenants and calls for Commonwealth Rent Assistance (‘CRA’) to be increased. The Report shows that 40% of all renters in Australia receiving CRA remain in ‘housing stress’, where they spend 30% or more of their income on housing costs. Without CRA over 67% of these renters would be experiencing ‘housing stress’. Read the media release here.

Victoria has lessons to learn about how to deal with extreme heat events, says VCOSS The high mortality rate during the most recent heatwave shows that Victoria still has lessons to learn about how to deal with extreme heat events.VCOSS has called for better planning and emergency responses to extreme heatwaves to prevent further deaths and illness, especially amongst our most vulnerable citizens. Read the full media release here and the blog post ‘Better planning neeed to meet challenge of heatwaves’

New Youth drug and alcohol advice service by YSAS A new service called YoDAA – Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice – will provide youth workers supporting young people with substance use related problems and dependence with an easily accessible advice, information, referral and networking service, for youth specific alcohol and other drug (AOD) related needs. Read more here.

Young and Pregnant drop-in service The Young and Pregnant Parenting Program Drop-in service (YAPP) has recommenced, with young expecting parents welcome to drop-in to the service to talk to access information and support, development checks for children and small group parenting information sessions. No appointment necessary.Date: 10am-4pm TuesdaysVenue: “The Basement”, located at 19 King St, Melbourne To find out more, contact Anita Scurrah on 9611 2458 or via email

The homeless need help, and not just in the heat On Saturday 1 February, The Age continued its ongoing coverage of rough sleeping with an opinion piece that discussed the merits of the Lord Mayor’s plans for places for rough sleepers to retreat to when extreme heat hits Melbourne. The article did not make it online, but here is a snap we took for those who want to read the editor’s thoughts on the Mayor’s plans, as well as CHP’s own proposal for ending rough sleeping through Permanent Supportive Housing.

@HomelessInMelb .@kathhomeless has made a blog of her stories she shared during her time on @HomelessInMelb – check it out

‏@Youth_Projects #heatwave #melbourne only our outreach teams are on foot, sunscreen water, first aid for city homeless this W/E

‏@FlickReynolds #Homelessness is a temporary state, not a permanent attribute. They are not ‘the homeless‘, they are people.

Job opportunitiesCapacity building and Policy Offier – CHP CHP is looking for a talented policy professional to join our small team currently based in Collingwood. More details are available here.

Social Worker – Justice Connect Justic Connect is currently seeking a Social Worker to play a key role in the Women’s Eviction Prevention Project run through the Justice Connect Homeless Law program. Applications close on the 14th of February 2014. Click here for full job details.

CHP Updates

ParityFebruary: Innovation in Mental Health and Homelessness edition The edition will look at four central areas in Mental Health and homelessness evidence and innovation, best practice, lived experience and policy directions. Please look at the Call for contributions for further information. Submissions are now open.

March 2014 edition: Foyers and Families: Housing Approaches to Supporting Young People Foyers and ‘foyer-like’ programs have become an important part tackling youth homelessness in Australia. This edition will take a close look at their use and impact both here and abroad. Please look at the Call for contributions for further information. Submissions are now open.

Handle with Care – Managing Violent and Potentially Violent Situations for Frontline Staff This half-day workshop equips participants with strategies for minimising risk to themselves and others when confronted with angry or threatening individuals, as well as ways to manage their own emotions when in situations of threat. Date: Tuesday 25 February Time: 9.30 am – 1:30pm (morning tea provided) Venue: CHFV Level 1, 128 Exhibition St, MelbourneCost: $165 for CHFV members – $198 for non-members Further enquiries can be directed to Holly Mullaney or check the CHFV website.

Financial Literacy and Counselling (two-day) This course is designed for people who want to help their at-risk clients better manage their money. The course comprises of 3 accredited Certificate III units (3 units towards certificate III in Active Volunteering or community services work)Date: Tuesday 18 March and Wednesday 19 MarchTime: 9.30 AM – 4:00pm Venue: CHFV, Level 1, 128 Exhibition St, Melbourne 3000Cost: $440 inclusive GST (members) $500 (non- members) for both days Further enquiries can be directed to Holly Mullaney or check the CHFV website.

Introduction to Imprisonment in Victoria This training provides an overview of imprisonment in Victoria, including context and history of prison justice work in Victoria.Date:Wednesday March 19Time: 1:00pm-5:00pmVenue: Flemington Kensington Bowling Club, Corner Smithfield & Racecourse Roads Flemington VIC 3031 Cost: $25/$40 Melbourne $25/$40 The Centre for Human Rights of Imprisoned People are offering this training as part of their 2014 Effective Advocacy Training Calendar.

People skills for working with complex behaviours (2 days) This workshop focuses on developing participants’ skills and abilities to engage with people who have complex needs and what are often referred to as ‘challenging behaviours’. This includes dealing with anger, grief and loss, and mental health issues (risk of suicide is also discussed). Training provides strategies, possible interventions, and new ways of looking at complex behaviours.Date:Tuesday and Wednesday, 18 & 19 March 2014Time: 9.30 am – 4:30pmVenue: Melbourne CBD (TBC)Cost: $88 (cross sector $440) More info is available from the Wodonga TAFE website, or by emailing Wodonga TAFE.

Corrections Resource Centre Tour Participants will be introduced Introduction to the Corrections Resource Centre (CRC), including an overview of the information available and how to research prison and criminal justice issues, and the strategic use of the information.Date: Thursday April 10Time: 9:30am-12:00pmVenue: TBC upon registration (Melbourne)Cost: $25/$40 The Centre for Human Rights of Imprisoned People are offering this training as part of their 2014 Effective Advocacy Training Calendar.